Painted Windows

Painted Windows is set in the fictional town of Dennison Nebraska and revolves around the lives of its characters particularly the women in the town. The story explores the experiences challenges and aspirations of the women as they navigate their roles in a changing society.One of the central themes of the novel is the impact of urbanization and modernization on small-town life. The painted windows of the title refer to the trend of painting windows in bright colors a practice that symbolizes the desire for change and a departure from traditional norms in the community. This change is both literal and metaphorical as it represents the desire for new opportunities and a break from the past.Through the various female characters in the novel Peattie explores issues such as women's suffrage education and the desire for independence. The novel also delves into social class dynamics and the tensions that arise as some characters embrace change while others resist it.Painted Windows is considered a feminist novel for its focus on the lives and aspirations of women in a time of social transformation. It provides a snapshot of the early 20th-century American Midwest and the challenges faced by individuals and communities as they grapple with societal changes. Elia Wilkinson Peattie's writing in this novel reflects her interest in social issues and her advocacy for women's rights and opportunities.